Department of Foreign Affairs. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hopes for the eventual release of Filipino seafarers under Houthi and Iranian custody, adding that diplomatic representations are ongoing for their freedom.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said they cannot give a “categorical response” on the Filipinos’ release.
“We just hope it will be soonest,” said de Vega.
“Neither the Houthis [nor] the Iranians have actually indicated that the seafarers will be released soon,” de Vega added.
DFA on November 22 confirmed that 17 Filipinos aboard the Galaxy Leader cargo ship were among those held hostage by the Houthi armed group.
Marshall Islands-flagged tanker St. Nikolas, on the other hand, was boarded by armed individuals off the coast of Oman in early January and appeared to have changed course toward Iran.
READ: DFA: Iran to free abducted seafarers
While there’s no definite date yet on the release of these Filipino seafarers, De Vega noted that the Philippine embassy in Tehran is meeting Iranian authorities on a possible visit to the 18 seafarers to verify their condition.
READ: Israeli envoy: Iran is a problem
For the 17 Filipinos held hostage by Houthis, de Vega explained that the Philippine Consul in Yemen has already confirmed that they are unharmed.